Make it or break it. That was the motto for multiple Swiss champions Volero ZÜRICH in their last match in Pool B. The team from Switzerland’s largest city had to take at least two points against the Russian top squad from the city of Krasnodar if they wanted to stay in contention for making it to the Playoffs of Europe’s elite club competition for the seventh time in their history.

The Swiss proved they were ready for the big challenge. Zoran Terzic’s squad put a lot of pressure on Dinamo with their strong serving game. Dinamo KRASNODAR, on the other hand, struggled in reception. Volero star setter Fabíola, who claimed silver at the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship with Dinamo KRASNODAR, on the other hand, overpowered the Russians with very fast passes on middle blockers Foluke Akinradewo and Ekaterina Orlova. The Russians were not able to find an antidote to the Swiss attacking game and consequently the home squad prevailed 25-18 in the first set to make it a big step closer to the achievement of their goal.

Dinamo KRASNODAR found their rhythm in the second set. The Swiss hosts, on the other hand, committed ten unforced errors. Volero coach Zoran Terzic was not happy with that. The game remained close until the very end of the set. Volero ZÜRICH, however, could count on their strong blocking game in this very crucial stage of the set and edged KRASNODAR 25-23 to increase their lead to 2-0.

At this stage, Volero ZÜRICH were in full swing. Zoran Terzic’s troop bounded the Russians back with their strong blocking game and a fast pace in the offense. A comfortable 14-7 lead was the consequence. Dinamo KRASNODAR were able to shorten their deficit to 19-22, but the hosts took back the reins in the crunch time to claim the set 25-22 and the game with 3-0. The over 1,250 spectators in attendance at the Saalsporthalle in Zurich paid tribute to the local stars with a three-minute-long standing ovation.

Now Volero ZÜRICH are going to face Liu Jo Nordmeccanica MODENA, Fenerbahçe SK ISTANBUL or VakifBank ISTANBUL in the Playoffs 6. The Swiss will know their opponent for the Playoffs 6 after the Drawing of Lots taking place in Luxembourg on Friday.

Volero ZÜRICH coach Zoran Terzic: “I think we can be satisfied with the score and the win, but not very happy about our performance tonight. I think some of the players were already thinking about the Playoffs 6 and not enough about the game. Nevertheless, I think this team has the skills to prevail in the Playoffs 6, now we just have to play without fear and be 100% ready in both games.”

Volero ZÜRICH setter Fabíola admitted that it was a very special game for her. “There have been some major changes at Dinamo KRASNODAR since I left, but I still know their coach Konstantin Ushakov and some of the players; therefore, it was a very special game for me. I think this win is a very crucial one for our self-esteem too after the bitter defeat in Moscow. Now we have to go back to training and get ready for the next game. Because it’s on us; there’s no margin for errors now.”

Dinamo KRASNODAR coach Konstantin Ushakov balanced the books after the game. “I think we were not able to take advantage of the crucial moments of the sets. Of course, we are disappointed for leaving this competition at the end of the group stage. We knew it would have been difficult to claim the top spot in the group, but we wanted to grab the chance to finish at least in second place.”

Dinamo KRASNODAR Natalia Malykh could not hide her disappointment after the game. “We knew Volero ZÜRICH are a very strong side. Therefore, we wanted to play a very strong blocking game. However, I think the many errors in reception made it impossible to prevail over Volero. Nevertheless, we are still a young team and it is my very first CEV Champions League season.”